Christian mentoring is a Christ-centered relationship where a more mature believer walks alongside someone seeking to grow in their faith. It’s about encouragement, guidance, prayer, and shared wisdom — all grounded in God’s Word.
Through regular connection, the mentor helps the mentee navigate life’s challenges, discover their God-given purpose, and grow in spiritual maturity. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about doing life together with Jesus at the center.
Whether you're seeking direction, support, or simply a deeper walk with Christ, mentoring can be a powerful step in your journey of faith.
Here’s a breakdown of what Christian mentoring usually involves:
1. Biblical Foundation
Mentoring is modeled in Scripture—think Paul mentoring Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2) or Jesus mentoring His disciples. It’s about passing on faith, wisdom, and practical life guidance.
2. Spiritual Growth
The primary goal is to help the mentee become more like Christ. This includes:
- Developing a consistent prayer life and time in the Word.
- Learning to listen to and follow the Holy Spirit.
- Growing in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. Accountability and Encouragement
A Christian mentor offers:
- Accountability: Gently challenging the mentee to live in obedience to God.
- Encouragement: Reminding them of God's promises, love, and grace through ups and downs.
4. Life Guidance
While spiritual growth is central, mentors often help with life issues too—relationships, career decisions, handling trials—always with a biblical view.
5. A Safe, Trusting Relationship
The mentor-mentee relationship is built on:
- Trust
- Confidentiality
- Openness
- Mutual respect
6. Long-Term Vision
Good Christian mentoring encourages the mentee to eventually become a mentor to others, creating a ripple effect of discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2 again—"entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also").
Why It Matters
- Spiritual Growth: Mentoring helps us become more like Christ through prayer, Scripture, and accountability.
- Support & Encouragement: Life can be challenging. A mentor is someone who listens, prays, and walks with you through it all.
- Discipleship: Jesus modeled mentoring through personal relationships — it's how faith is passed on and deepened.
- Kingdom Impact: When we grow in Christ, we’re empowered to love, lead, and serve others more effectively.
What to Expect
- Regular Meet-Ups: These may be weekly or bi-weekly, in person or virtual — whatever works best for both.
- Shared Faith Journey: Discussion, Bible study, prayer, and life-sharing — all centered on Christ.
- Confidentiality: A safe space to be honest, ask questions, and seek God's direction.
- Mutual Growth: Both mentor and mentee benefit and are shaped by the Holy Spirit in the process.
Located in Willmar, MN, ATLAS is a Christ-centered, non-profit, Interdenominational mentoring and discipleship ministry committed to walking the road of life with youth and adults.
